After almost 20 years, the Tattersett tyre mountain could be recycled.

Eastern Daily Press: Picture from Google earth of the dump.Picture from Google earth of the dump. (Image: Archant)

More than 600,000 car and lorry tyres are dumped on part of the former RAF Sculthorpe aerodrome, which is now the Tattersett Business Park.

There were fears the eyesore - once described as one of the worst in the country - could create a serious health risk if it caught fire.

Now Melton Constable-based Mr Gawn, who bought the site five years ago, has applied to build a tyre recycling facility on one of the former air base access roads.

In a planning statement, his agents Dennis Tuttle Architecture write: 'The proposed facility offers the only viable cost-effective solution of removing the existing tyre dump.'

They add the site was next to the tyre dump, which would minimise vehicle movements.

'All of the application site is 'brown field' and is remote from the nearest settlement at Wicken Green making it eminently suited to the proposed use,' it adds.

The planning application says the plant would recycle up to 30,000 tonnes of tyres a year by shredding them for drainage and surfacing.

Norfolk County Council will make a decision before March 2.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said: 'I know that for many years local residents have expressed real frustration to me at the blight on the local landscape caused by Tattersett tyre mountain. We must work towards getting rid of this hazard once and for all.

'It is also crucial that any plans approved for the site will deliver improvements for the surrounding area and that the potential impact on the community of the proposed facility is very carefully assessed.'

Mr Gawn could not be contacted for comment.